NCBD Picks for 6/24/2026 — The Comics That Actually Matter
6 min reading time
One of the advantages of running a comic shop is getting an early look at what customers are actually excited about before Wednesday rolls around.
Some books generate a lot of noise online.
Others quietly build real momentum.
This week's NCBD has a little bit of both.
There are some obvious headliners, a few books that could surprise people, and one cover that immediately jumped out when I was reviewing the week's releases.
As always, I'm less interested in what spikes for 48 hours and more interested in what collectors will still be talking about a few months from now.
Let's get into it.
Pick of the Week
Absolute Superman #20
The Absolute line continues to be the most consistently interesting thing happening in mainstream superhero comics.
Not Batman.
Not Spider-Man.
Not whatever event book is screaming for your attention this month.
Absolute Superman keeps earning reader enthusiasm the old-fashioned way: by delivering. It's one of the biggest books shipping this week and one of the most talked-about releases heading into Wednesday.
Why I'd Recommend It
- The Absolute line continues to generate genuine reader engagement
- Superman has (arguably) emerged as one of the strongest books in the initiative
- This book consistently selling, new and back issues,
Collector's Take
This is a quality title that continues to build demand. Some collectors are poo-pooing the Absolute Line claiming it to be basically Marvels old Ultimate line in terms of collectability. While that may play out to be true, I feel Absolute titles have been a far superior story thus far. At the end of the day story's and the connection is what drives the collectable market.
Sleeper Pick
Superman #39
With all the attention on the Absolute line, it's easy to overlook what's happening in the main Superman title.
That's exactly why Superman #39 landed on my sleeper list.
The current run has quietly been building momentum with readers, and books like this often get overshadowed by the newest #1 or event launch. Sometimes the best pickups are the ones that don't dominate social media on Wednesday.
Why I'd Recommend It
- Loving Prime Time! Prime is building a big following
- This is going to be a big issue in the current run
- I tend to dip in and out of Superman titles but this has been a must read each release
Collector's Take
I don't expect this to explode overnight—and that's perfectly fine. These are the types of books that quietly become harder to find later because people actually read them instead of immediately flipping them.
Best Spec Book
Ultimate Impact #1
If there's one Marvel launch this week that has my attention from a speculation standpoint, it's Ultimate Impact #1.
The Ultimate Universe has had some missteps but has earned far more trust than most modern relaunches because Marvel has actually invested in building the world instead of simply chasing launch-week hype.
That doesn't guarantee this becomes a key, but it does mean collectors are paying attention for the right reasons.
Why I'd Recommend It
- Great potential for future first appearances
- Potential story implications across Marvel's Ultimate line
- Strong collector confidence in the Ultimate Universe
Collector's Take
Treat this exactly how speculation should be treated—measured and patient. Grab a cover you like, enjoy the story, and let the market decide whether it becomes something bigger.
Quiet Long-Term Play
Infernal Hulk #8
Sometimes the best long-term plays aren't the books everyone is chasing—they're the books everyone is reading.
Infernal Hulk #8 Is that book.
Hulk remains one of Marvel's cornerstone characters, and when creators take the character in a darker direction, collectors usually pay attention. Whether it becomes a key or simply a great read, this is the kind of book I like owning early.
Why I'd Recommend It
- Hulk remains one of Marvel's most durable collector characters
- Skarr is a fan favorite and there seems to be a plan to build him up
- Horror-leaning Hulk stories have historically developed loyal followings
Collector's Take
This isn't my speculation pick—that's Ultimate Impact. This is the book I'd be happy pulling out of the box five years from now because it delivered a great story and still feels relevant.
Best Indie Pick
Red Roots #3
If you've been following Red Roots, you already know why it's back on the list.
This continues to be one of the more interesting indie books on the shelves, with a unique visual identity and a story that's building rather than rushing to manufacture big moments.
Not every recommendation needs to be about aftermarket potential.
Sometimes a book deserves attention simply because it's good comics.
Why I'd Recommend It
- Strong independent storytelling
- Consistent momentum through the first few issues
- One of the more distinctive indie books publishing right now
Collector's Take
If you've been on the fence, now is a great time to jump in before the series gets too far ahead.
Cover Picks of the Week
Capes #8 — Ito Variant
This cover immediately stood out.
Ito brings a haunting style that's unlike almost anything else on the shelf this week. It's bold, unsettling, and impossible to ignore.
Why I'd Recommend It
- Distinct horror-inspired artwork
- One of the week's most unique covers
- Outstanding display piece
Summer of Supergirl Special #1 — Pablo Villalobos Variant
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is Pablo Villalobos' gorgeous Supergirl cover.
Bright, energetic, and full of personality, it's exactly what you'd hope to see on a Supergirl book.
Why I'd Recommend It
- Beautiful color work
- Fantastic composition
- One of DC's strongest covers this week
Collector's Take
Sometimes you buy a cover because you think it'll be worth more later.
Sometimes you buy it because it simply looks fantastic.
Both of these fall into that second category.
Final Thoughts
One thing I've learned from owning a comic shop is that readers usually decide what matters long before the aftermarket does.
The books people come back asking for a month later are rarely the same books everyone was panic-buying on Wednesday morning.
This week's shelf has a nice balance.
Absolute Superman #20 is the headline book.
Superman #39 is my sleeper.
Ultimate Impact #1 is the speculation play.
Infernal Hulk #1 is my quiet long-term pickup.
Red Roots #3 continues to be one of my favorite indie recommendations.
And if you're a cover collector, don't leave without taking a look at Capes #8 by Ito and Summer of Supergirl Special #1 by Pablo Villalobos.
Whether you're buying to read, collect, or invest, the best collections are built one smart pickup at a time.
Add them to your box.